KARACHI: After struggling for nearly three days, Pakistan seniors produced a major shock when they beat second-placed Belgium 20-10 in the 17th round of the World bridge championship in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

According to information received here on Saturday, Pakistan seniors started the day in a disappointing fashion by losing 4-25 to New Zealand but came back with full force and overpowered Argentina 16-14.

Pakistan seniors including Rashid-ul-Ghazi-Parvez Mirza, Khalid Javed-Saeed Akhtar and captain Tariq Rasheed Khan are placed 17th despite two good wins with 240 victory points.

With three league rounds to go England continued to dominate in the Seniors Bowls with 346 points. Belgium is placed second with 323.5 points and Poland are third with 319 points.

In the Bermuda Bowl, Pakistan Open team with Masood Mazhar, Hasan Jawad, Nawab Yousuf Talpur, Hasan Askri and Khaled Mohiuddin had something to cheer when they down Japan 21-9.

However, second-placed Italy defeated Pakistan 20-10 and hosts Brazil routed them 25-3.

Pakistan are maintaining their 19th position with 209.5 points.

Holders Norway are on top with 334.25 points, Italy are second with 333 points and Bulgaria third with 323 points.

Like the Open team, Pakistan women team recorded their best win when they beat Brazil 16-14 and held formidable Italy to 15-15 draw.

However, Rubina Agha’s team received 6-24 drubbing at the hands of Sweden.

The Pakistan women team are laying 19th with 223 points with three final rounds to go in the Venice Cup.

France are heading the ladies Venice Cup with 350 points followed by the USA with 344.5 points and defending champions China with 337 points.